Launch Results

Test launching was performed today using the Estes 36 D-Squared rocket with D12-7 motors.

The electronics board was programmed to report pitch and roll angles. Transmission failed to report data just after launch. It was learned that the 9V battery placed inside the payload bay was shorting the back of the board. Polyster fill was packed around the battery to prevent this from happening.

The second launch reported pitch and roll values through ascent and descent. Transmission halted at apogee. It is suspected that the transmitter might be out of reach. Exact height restriction will become more apparent when the electronics board is programmed and launched to report altitude. Successfully recorded through the hyperterminal and values will be saved and presented in the report.

Due to minimal cogs we are only able to successfully transmit two parameters per launch. Rotational acceleration uses 2 cogs, which calls for its own launch. One complete data collect will require six launches.

Second Rocket/Second Flight Test

Length 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Diameter 2.21 in. (56 mm)
Weight 5.7 oz. (162 g)

A second rocket was constructed to remain within the time restraint. The 36 D-Squared Estes model rocket was constructed. This rocket contains a payload bay and does not use an ejection baffle, rather it uses the ejection blast directly buffered with wadding. It is also much lighter than the Initiator rocket used previously.

Rocket2 was launched and recovered two time successfully using two D12-5 Estes motors for each flight. The payload in the first launch contained only the battery source and polyester fill for padding. The second launch contained the circuitry, battery, and polyester fill, all recovered nicely. The second launch did melt a portion of the parachute rendering it unusable. A new, heavier parachute will be attached for future flights. The circuitry did transmit while the rocket was on the launch pad but failed to continue working through the flight. The transmitter did relay an accurate reading while the rocket was on the launch pad. The rocket was manually shaken to simulate take-off and values were reported at that time.

First Flight Test

Preliminary flight testing was performed without integrated circuitry. Testing was a failure due to an unsuccessful detachment of the nose cone. The ejection force proved inadequate to separate the nose cone containing the pedestal and 9V battery. Alternate, lighter battery sources are being investigated. Payload bays are also being considered as another placement for electronics. The nose cone and inner body tube have been sanded to minimize their tight attachment, but this is not showing much improvement in allowing for an easier detachment.

Test Plan Update

The Test Plan has been updated. Click here to see the Test Plan Rev A.
(As formatting is not maintained within GoogleDocs please contact Alaina at alaina.reres@gmail.com for an original copy)

Pedestal and Platform Pictures

The constructed platform for the nose cone insert should coincide with the previously posted schematic.

Teague Middle School

The Analysis of Rocket Flight Parameters project will be presented to Teague Middle School on 2 December 2008 by invitation of Mr. Mark Imhoof. We appreciate the continuing support of Teague Middle School throughout the development of this project.

Test Launch

We will be performing a test launch tomorrow Sunday 16 November at approximately 2:00PM. The FAA has been left our launch information in a voicemail to the Florida FAA office. The integrated rocket and 9V battery weighs in at about 22.9 ounces. The test launches will test the transmissions of altitude, rotational acceleration, pitch, and roll. E motors will be used for these test launches.

Integration Status

The insert for the nose cone has been completed. The pedestal and platforms are assembled and are removeable from the nose cone of the rocket. Issues arose when aligning the fasteners to the railing that connects the platform to the nose cone. The fasteners and railing must be exactly line up and flush with the inner plastic.

A securing mount will be placed on top of the pedestal for the electronics board. Polyester fill is being investigated as a padding around the electronics board for protection in the event that the board becomes lose during flight or after landing.

Alternate battery sources are being investigated to minimize the weight of the rocket. Few FAA regulations apply to projectiles under one pound so if we are able to keep the weight of the rocket and payload under one pound we will have an easier time performing multiple launches.

The antenna is able to transmit through the plastic nose cone so creating a porthole for the antenna tip will not be necessary.

The pressure sensor will not need a large contact with outside atmosphere. Holes will be made in the rocket body to equalize pressure and allow the sensor to relay an accurate reading.

Programming Update

I've embedded a video demonstrating what coding we've done so far, how it all looks, and where we're going from here. It's a quick overview, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Integration Progress/Final Presentation Date

The presentation for this project will be on 5 December 2008 at the University of Central Florida, Engineering Building 1, Room 388 at 3:00PM.

To Date:

The programming for transmitting roll and pitch data is complete and successful. Final steps are being taken to complete programming for the altimeter.

The platform that will hold the circuit board and battery is designed and almost finished. Remaining tasks are to secure the pedestal of the platform within the nose cone.

Click Photos to Enlarge

Updates!!

All electrical components have been soldered to the board, and retracting was required due to an unseen error in initial schematic design. Initial programming and testing has begun and the ADC and IMU appear to be in working order.

The corrected schematic can be seen here.

When programming began for the Transmitter and Receiver Modules, we encountered some issues when trying to get the devices to communicate. When looking at the data output through an oscilloscope, it appeared that the data was being transmitted but not received. However, this turned out to be a simple fix - we needed to pull the reset pin high and the sleep pin low. Now wireless communication is working as it should be.

Another slight issue we are having with the transmitter board, however, is that the program seems to be resetting itself every so often. Right now we are unsure what is causing this issue, but this will need to be fixed prior to initial launch.